RENAISSANCE QUESTIONS Flashcards
(241 cards)
1
Q
Where did Fabriano visit before arriving to Florence that influenced his painting of ‘Adoration of the Magi’
A
Venice before 1408 where he was influenced by the Venetian love of coloré, and then Siena in 1420 were he would have been exposed to the Sienese gothic style
2
Q
Who commissioned ‘adoration of the magi’ and what was it for?
A
Palla Strozzi, for his family’s burial chapel in the church of Santa Trinita
3
Q
Why did Palla Strozzi commission this type of painting?
A
Because Palla Strozzi was a banker, he would give out loans to make a profit. This type of act was called usury and was one of the seven deadly sins - Avarice - a greed for money. To avoid this bankers would commission religious paintings to expiate their sins and buy their way into heaven
4
Q
What sin is usury and what does it mean?
A
Avarice - a greed for money
5
Q
What did Palla Strozzi own a copy of and what did it say?
A
Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics which asks rich men to provide lavish adornment for their city in line with their own wealth
6
Q
How is the narrative told in ‘Adoration of the Magi’ (starting from top to bottom including the frame)
A
Tondos - The annunciation, god blessing us, Mary holding baby Jesus
Background - Three kings climbing the mountain in search for the star, Three kings following the star to Jerusalem, Three kings following the star to Bethlehem
Foreground - A queue of people spectating Mary and baby Jesus with the three kings presenting frankincense, gold and myrrh
PREDELLA - The Nativity, The Flight to Egypt, The presentation at the temple
7
Q
What are the three kings presenting to baby Jesus in ‘Adoration of the Magi’?
A
Gold, frankincense and Myrrh
8
Q
What style is ‘Adoration of the Magi’ and how is it shown?
A
International gothic style - it is shown through the highly decorated and ornate format of the altarpiece, the religious subject matter and the graceful figures e.g three kings shown with a variety of graceful gestures as they present their gifts
9
Q
What animals are shown in ‘Adoration of the Magi’?
A
Horses, dogs, cheetahs, hawks, ox
10
Q
What are the materials used in ‘adoration of the magi’ that exhibit Strozzi’s wealth?
A
Gold leaf and gesso would have created a glimmering surface sparkle when viewed in candelight. Lapis lazuli used for Mary’s robes show wealth
11
Q
How are the figures in ‘Adoration of the Magi’ easily identifyable?
A
The Three kings have gold circular halos around their heads and Mary is depicted wearing blue robes
12
Q
Who was Masaccio friends with that influenced his work in ‘The Holy trinity’?
A
Brunelleschi and Donatello. Brunelleschi’s knowledge of mathematical proportion and Donatello’s knowledge of classical art that led him away from the Gothic style and towards a greater realism
13
Q
Why did Masaccio on particular paint ‘The Holy Trinity’?
A
With the help of Brunelleschi, he won a prestigious competition to paint the fresco
14
Q
What was Massacio’s ‘Holy Trinity’ for?
A
The Dominican Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence
15
Q
Who were the patrons of Masaccio’s ‘Holy Trinity’ and what type of portrait is this?
A
Domenico Lenzi and his spouse, who are shown kneeling in the work, making it a donor portrait
16
Q
What classical and architectural features are shown in the setting of Masaccio’s ‘Holy Trinity’?
A
Coffered barrel vault, Corinthian pilasters and ionic columns which form a triumphal arch. Suggesting triumph over death
17
Q
What does the triumphal arch in Masaccio’s ‘Holy trinity’ suggest?
A
Triumph over death
18
Q
What does Masaccio’s ‘Holy trinity’ depict?
A
An illusionary chapel containing three figures of the Holy trinity: God (the father), Jesus Christ (dead on the cross) and the Holy Spirit (in the form of a dove above Christ’s head). Mary and St John the Evangalist on either side below Christ. The patrons are on a level below Mary and St John, kneeling.
19
Q
What are the symbolic shapes in Masaccio’s ‘Holy trinity’ and what do they represent?
A
Circle (created by the barrel vault) = God, who has no beginning nor end
Triangle (created by the orthogonal lines of the barbell vault) = three members of the holy trinity
Square (Masaccio said the work could be divided into three stacked squares/rectangles) = Earth
20
Q
How does Masaccio use psychological realism in ‘The Holy Trinity’?
A
- St John the Evangelists sorrowful look
- Mary is depicted as an old woman with tired, wrinkled eyes, whereas traditional depictions show her as youthful and beautiful
21
Q
What is written on the illusionary altar in Massacio’s ‘Holy trinity’ and why?
A
I once was what you are and what I am you also will be. A momento mori.
22
Q
Why was ‘Sistine Madonna’ commissioned?
A
In July 1512, the northern Italian town of Piacenza joined the Papal States. This prompted Pope Julius II to commission this painting, for it to hang above the high altar at the church of San Sisto in town of Piacenza
23
Q
Why were the saints chosen to be depicted in ‘Sistine Madonna’
A
St Sixtus and St Barbara we’re both patron saints of the San Sisto church and there were relics of them in the church
24
Q
Who was St Barbara?
A
Patron saint of soldiers. Because she was liberated from a tower, she is also the patron saint of the hour of death
25
How does St Barbara link to Pope Julius II?
She is the patron saint of soldiers and pope Julius was often referred to as the ‘warrior pope’
26
What is the role of putti?
To accompany the dead from earth, where they are judged, before they go to heaven
27
Why did Julius II have a strong connection to St Sixtus?
St Sixtus had been adopted as the Della Rovere’s family patron, then Julius’s uncle took this name when he became pope
28
Why does Mary have a sorrowful face in ‘Sistine Madonna’?
The painting originally hung opposite a cross, suggesting she is anticipating the future
29
How is Julius II’s own identity reflected in ‘Sistine Madonna’?
St Sixtus represents Julius. He has a long white beard and his robes have the Della Rovere emblem (oak leaves) on them.
30
What is St Barbara doing in ‘Sistine Madonna’?
She gazes downwards, towards the person who is awaiting judgement and her right hand signals to the tower behind her, linking to her role as a saint
31
What does the papal tiara in ‘Sistine Madonna’ suggest?
It suggests that Julius’ coffin may have been placed under the painting after his death
32
How are neo-platonic ideas expressed in ‘Sistine Madonna’?
Mary is idealised due to her extreme beauty. Raphael follows Neoplatonic ideas of using physical beauty to express physical beauty
33
What do the green curtains act as in ‘Sistine Madonna’?
Coulisses that frame the scene
34
Why was ‘The Expulsion of Heliodirus from the temple’ created?
In 1507, Pope Julius II said he no longer wanted to live in the Borgia apartments of the Vatican because he was surrounded by portraits of his hated enemy Alexander VI, so he chose to move upstairs to the third floor
35
Explain the rooms in Julius II’s apartment.
The apartment consisted of 4 rooms, the room of Heliodorus was second in the sequence.
36
What was the theme in the room of Heliodorus and what did it mean?
Divine intervention. Each of the four frescos in the room depicts a miracle worked by a pope or religious leader, emphasising papal leadership
37
What does ‘The expulsion of Heliodorus from the temple’ depict?
A scene from the Apocryphal book 2 Maccabees in which the King of Syria sends Heliodorus to the temple of Jerusalem to steal treasure that was meant for women and children. However, answering the prayers of the high priest, Onias, God sends a horseman and two youths to drive Heliodorus out of the temple
38
What was pope Julius known as and why is this significant in ‘The expulsion of Heliodorus from the temple’?
The warrior pope due to his rapid expansion of the Papal States. The subject matter symbolises the expulsion of the French, therefore reinforcing the legitimacy of the Pope
39
What does ‘The expulsion of Heliodorus from the temple’ take influence from?
- Heliodorus’s pose recalls that of ancient river gods
- Horse recalls that of a work by Leonardo da Vinci
- The Trojan woman in the foreground on the left is similar to one by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel
40
What is Pope Julius being carried on in ‘The expulsion of Heliodorus from the temple’?
The papal sepia
41
Explain the situation with pope Julius’ beard.
Pope Julius II kept a beard for almost a year after losing Bologna to France
42
What is Onias wearing in ‘The expulsion of Heliodorus from the temple’ and why is this significant?
Onias is wearing blue and gold, the Della Rovere colours, which reinforces Julius II’s importance
43
What is the key message in ‘The expulsion of Heliodorus from the temple’?
Don’t steal from the church
44
What is the original location of Titian’s ‘Assumption of the Virgin’?
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
45
Describe the position of Titian’s ‘Assumption of the virgin’ in the church.
Flanked by two large gothic windows which fill the apse with light
46
What does Titian’s ‘Assumption of the virgin’ depict?
The assumption of the Virgin Mary, a central event in Franciscan theology, in which Mary is moved to heaven at the end of her earthly life
47
Discuss the use of geometry in Titian’s ‘Assumption of the virgin’.
Titian breaks the composition into two sections using geometry. The figures at the bottom which are roughly the same height make up a rectangle, whilst the putti and angles near the top form a circle. A triangle is also created with the three figures dress in red. This triangle replicates the movement in which Mary ascends to heaven
48
What did John Steer say about Titian’s work when comparing it to Raphael’s?
“For Titian, light and shade are revealers of form, and colour the substance from which it is made”
49
How was Ghiberti cast for the baptistery doors?
In 1401, Ghiberti won a prestigious competition to find the best sculptor to make a new set of doors for the north entrance to Florence’s baptistery. He was then chosen for the next set of doors on the east side - the Gates of Paradise
50
Why are they known as ‘The gates of Paradise’?
Because of their beauty but also because the area between a baptistery and a cathedral is known as a paradise
51
Why is the baptistery important to florentines?
Up until the 1930s, the baptistery was the only place where florentines could be baptised. It is dedicated to St John the Baptist, who is Florence’s patron saint. Therefore the baptistery was a symbol of Florentine’s civic pride
52
Who were the patrons for Florence’s baptistery?
The Arte de Calima (the cloth merchants gild). They were responsible for looking after the baptistery. They were extremely wealthy and important as cloth was one of the prime trading products in Florence
53
What were the motives for ‘The gates of Paradise’?
- To thank John the Baptist
- To promote arte de calima who were rivals with the Lana guild (wool makers guild). The spirit of competition was an important social factor contributing to the cultural richness of Renaissance Florence
54
What was the original layout for the doors?
Quatrefoil panels. Though, Ghiberti fought for clear and rational square panels. He had artistic freedom on the project because by this point he was the most respected sculptor in Florence
55
Who made a comment to the Arte de calima about ‘The gates of Paradise’ and what did he say?
The chancellor of Florence at the time wrote: ‘The new doors should mainly have two qualities: one, that they show splendour, the other that they should have significance’
56
What is Ghiberti’s ‘The gates of Paradise’?
10 panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament: including Adam and Eve, Jacob and Esau, Moses, Joshua and Joseph
57
What style is Ghiberti’s ‘The gates of Paradise’?
A fusion of international gothic style and the early Renaissance style.
ISG - elongated forms seen in Eve’s creation and the heavy application of gold leaf
EARLY RENAISSANCE - pose of Adam recalls ancient river gods, contrapposto pose of figure in Jacob and Esau panel, classical influences with the nude figures
58
Give an example where Ghiberti uses diminishing scale in ‘The gates of Paradise’.
In the Jacob and Esau panel, Jacob is clearly in the foreground due to his larger scale, however, he is also seen being blessed in the background, made clear through his diminished scale
59
Who worked in a workshop to assist in the creation of ‘The gates of Paradise’?
Donatello and Michelozzo
60
Where did Donatello travel which influenced ‘Penitent Magdalene’?
Donatello travelled to Rome with Brunelleschi where he would have been exposed to antique sculpture and architecture
61
Where did Donatello’s artistic training come from for ‘Penitent Magdalene’ and what did he learn?
He trained in Ghiberti’s workshop for the North doors of Florence’s Baptistery where he learnt to sculpt in wax (the first stage of bronze casting)
62
Who was Mary Magdalene and why is she important?
A sinner who had given up her life of wealth and prostitution to follow Christ. She is devout and honoured because she stayed with Jesus during the crucifixion and she was the first to see Jesus’s resurrection.
63
What material did Donatello use for ‘Penitent Magdalene’ and what influenced this?
Polychrome poplar wood. He was influenced by Northern European sculpture which commonly used wood as a medium
64
What was the purpose of ‘Penitent Magdalene’?
A statue for reformed prostitutes in a convent in Cestello. It’s purpose was to encourage the prostituted to rebuild their lives
65
Why does Donatello depict Mary Magdalene in this way?
Traditional representations of Mary Magdalene show her as beautiful and young. By representing her as old, Donatello turns away from anything sensual or beautiful, and speaks to her issue of repentance
66
Why is Mary Magdalene so frail?
After Christ’s death she made a pilgrimage to Provence, France where she spent over thirty years living as a hermit, which explains why she is so thin and frail
67
Who commissioned Michelangelo’s ‘David’?
The Opera del Duomo, which mostly consisted of members from the Arte Della Lana (wool makers guild)
68
Where was Michelangelo’s David originally intended to stand?
It was originally intended to stand on a buttress on top of the cathedral which explains the size of the statue (13ft), so that it could be seen from afar
69
Why did Florence identify with David?
Florence identified strongly with David because it was a small city-state who stood up to larger powers e.g France and the Papal States with god on their side, as David had done with Goliath
70
What is depicted in Michelangelo’s ’David’?
David is depicted before his battle with the giant Goliath, who he will famously defeat with a single stone and faith in God
71
What is notable about Michelangelo’s statue of ‘David’?
It is the first monumental nude since antiquity
72
How big is Michelangelo’s ‘David’ and what does the scale recall?
13ft. Recalls famous colossal sculptures of antiquity, for example the Colossus at Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world
73
How is Michelangelo’s statue of ‘David’ linked to Hercules?
- David’s pose and mature body, along with the nudity suggests a classical statue of Hercules, and therefore puts David on Hercules’ level
- The rocky terrain on which David stands as well as the blasted tree trunk behind his right leg, derived from the well-known tale of Hercules at the crossroads
74
What is notable about David’s eyebrow in Michelangelo’s ‘David’?
His furrowed brow in his fierce stare recalls the Florentine marzocco, showing Florence’s civic pride
75
What is Florence’s lion called?
Marzocco
76
Where does Michelangelo’s anatomical realism come from, and where is this evident in the work?
His extensive life drawings and dissections at the church of Santo Spirito. Can be seen in David’s bulging veins along his forearms and carefully sculpted muscles
77
Why did Michelangelo choose to depict David before the battle rather than his moment of triumph?
To illustrate his resilience and inner strength, which, according to the bible, is rooted im faith and divine support
78
Discuss the impacts of using marble for sculpture.
- Marble has a translucency like skin, which allows for a naturalistic depiction.
- Marble has associations with purity, nobility and wealth which makes it a suitable material for a religious sculpture
79
Who commissioned Michelangelo’s ‘Pietà’?
Cardinal Jean Bilhères de Lagraulas
80
What happened to Cardinal Jean Bilhères de Lagraulas and what did he say about the Pietà?
He said he wanted “The most beautiful work of marble in Rome, one that no living artist could do better”. However, he died in August 1599. Therefore, the sculpture was to be a memorial for his funerary chapel
81
What is notable about Michelangelo’s ‘Pietà’?
It was Michelangelo’s first monumental religious sculpture and his first sculpture made in Rome. It was also the first Pietà out of four that Michelangelo sculpted, and it is the only one he finished
82
What is the translation of ‘pietà’ and what does it mean in art?
Pity. It is a subject in Christian art of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ on her lap or in her arms after his crucifixion, death and removal from the cross
83
What material is Michelangelo’s ‘Pietà’ made from?
It is made from a single block of Carrara marble which Michelangelo specifically quarried himself after receiving defected marble in Rome
84
How was Michelangelo’s ‘Pietà’ intended to be viewed and why?
In the round, positioned directly on the floor. So that viewers could see the details close up and to view the rock of Golgotha that Mary sits upon
85
What does Mary sit on in Michelangelo’s ‘Pietà’?
The rock of Golgotha
86
Discuss the use of marble in Michelangelo’s ‘Pietà’.
- The white stone refers to the purity of Christ and the Virgin Mary
- The monochromatic stone unifies the composition, almost blending the two figures into one to highlight their bond
- The marble has a natural translucency like skin which allows for a highly naturalistic depiction of the figures, making this sculpture High Renaissance
87
How does Michelangelo sign the ‘Pietà’ and why is this notable?
He carves ‘Michelangelo Buonarroti, Florentine, made this’. This is an example of elevating the status of the artist. This is the only sculpture he ever signed
88
Why is Michelangelo’s depiction of the ‘Pietà’ different from traditional depictions?
Traditional depictions show Mary as an old, sorrowful woman. Instead Michelangelo creates a youthful, serene Virgin Mary.
89
What did Michelangelo say about his depiction of the Pietà?
“Don’t you know, women who are chaste remain much fresher than those who are not”
90
Why is Michelangelo’s ‘Pietà’ idealised?
- Mary has smooth unblemished skin
- Mary has a collected composure despite just having lost her son. Her head is gracefully bowed down and her eyes are lowered
- Mary is proportionally larger than Jesus and carries him effortlessly
- Christ only has a few traces of the crucifixion - minute nail marks and he appears to be sleeping rather than suffering from the affects of rigour mortis
91
What are the Neoplatonic ideas about physical and spiritual beauty?
Physical beauty echoes spiritual beauty
92
Describe the surface of Michelangelo’s ‘Pietà’.
The marble has been highly finished with either pumice or leather to create a glossy surface which makes the sculpture look as if it is glowing. The light interacts with its beauty and draws the viewer in
93
What was the ‘Tympanum of the Scuola grande Della Misericordia’ origninally carved for?
Originally carved for the tympanum, over the principle doorway of the Scuola grande Della Misericordia in Venice, though it was moved to the Scuola nuova in the 16th century and placed in that tympanum
94
What was the Scuola Grande?
The building was the meeting house for the confraternity of Santa Maria Della Miscericordia who met to pray and dispense aid. Bon was a member of the Scuola.
95
Discuss the original composition of the Tympanum for the Scuola Grande Della misericordia, how do we know this?
Drawings by Johannes Grevembroch show the tympanum was originally flanked with representations of the allegorical figures of Hope and Chastity, and two angels. A figure of faith would have also stood at the top of the tympanum, presiding over the whole composition.
96
Who made drawings of the tympanum in its new position and when?
Johannes Grevembroch in 1757
97
Where was the tympanum placed and why?
The tympanum was placed well above head height, so that the Scuola’s members could appreciate the effect of passing beneath the protective mantle of the virgin both literally and metaphorically as they entered the building. They could look up to Mary and feel a sense of protection under her welcoming arms
98
What does the ‘Tympanum of the Scuola grande Della Misericordia’ depict?
The virgin holding her mantle open with nothing arms open. Beneath her mantle are nine kneeling figures of the Scuola in positions of prayer
99
Why is the Madonna important to Venetians?
Their founding date is the Feast of the Annunciation on 25th March, subsequently Mary became the patron saint of the city, along with St Mark.
100
Where is Byzantine influence in ‘Tympanum of the Scuola grande Della Misericordia’?
The virgin wears a mantle fastened on her breast by a mandorla which contains the naked figure of baby Jesus with his hand raised in blessing . This is known in Byzantine iconography as the platytera
101
What is the name of the thing that Christ is held in ‘Tympanum of the Scuola grande Della Misericordia’?
Mandorla
102
Discuss the background in ‘Tympanum of the Scuola grande Della Misericordia’.
In the background is a fig free with branches. Within the branches are six busts of kings and prophets holding scrolls. These scrolls announce the coming of Christ. This is the ‘tree of Jesse’ which is common in medieval iconography
103
What material is used in ‘Tympanum of the Scuola grande Della Misericordia’ and why?
Istrian stone is used in the tympanum, a typical Venetian material. It was prized for being whiter, cheaper and more readily available than Carrara marble. The stone forms a clear background for the polychrome decoration layered on top
104
What did extensive restorations on the tympanum show?
That originally, the whole piece would have been richly and colourfully decorated with polychrome paintwork and guilding. This would have had a bold effect, celebrating the virgin as well as promoting the status, power and wealth of the Scuola grande.
105
What does Boticelli’s ‘ La Primavera’ depict?
A group of figures from classical mythology in a garden, however no story has been found that includes this particular group of figures together. Therefore, there is no obvious narrative
106
Which classical and Renaissance literary sources does Boticelli’s ‘La Primavera’ draw influence from?
- The ancient Roman poet, Ovid
- Lucretius
- A poem by Poliziano, the Medici house poet, who may have helped Botticelli devise the composition
107
Who commissioned Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’?
Lorenzo de Magnificent as a wedding gift to his cousin, Lorenzo de Pierofrancesco and his new wife Semira Appiani
108
Who was Lorenzo Pierofrancesco’s wife?
Semira Appiani
109
What was the location of Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’?
It hung in the upper part of Semira Appiani’s bedchamber, called the ‘lettucio’
110
Where does the size and appearance of Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’ take inspiration from?
Millefleur (thousand flower) Flemish tapestries that were popular decorations for Italian Renaissance palaces
111
Describe the figures in Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’.
There are six females, two males and the angel, Cupid in the scene. The direction of movement flows from right to left, so following that direction the figures are identified as Zephyr, Chloris, Flora, Venus and Cupid, The three graces and lastly Mercury
112
What is the story of Zephyr and Chloris and how does Botticelli depict them in ‘La Primavera’?
Botticelli depicts two separate tales of Zephyr from classical mythology. Zephyr reaches for Chloris with puffed cheeks and forcefully takes her as his wife. He then, is overcome with guilt and remorse and dedicates his life to ensuring that she is happy. So, he transforms her into Flora, the goddess of spring. According to Ovid, when Zephry turns Chloris into Flora, he also gives her a wonderful garden, full with flowers and plants, in which eternal spring reigns
113
What does Ovid say about the story of Zephyr and Chloris?
According to Ovid, when Zephry turns Chloris into Flora, he also gives her a wonderful garden, full of flowers and plants, in which spring eternally reigns
114
Explain Venus’s positioning in Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’.
Venus is in the centre of the painting, somewhat set back from the rest of the figures. She is surrounded by myrtle. This plant is sacred to Venus because when she was born she clothed her nakedness in myrtle. Myrtle is also associated with sexual desire, marriage and childbirth. This sends a message to the viewer, who she directly gazes at, that sexuality is only to be experienced after marriage.
115
What do the three graces symbolise and why is this significant in Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’?
Beauty, chastity and love. The most desirable characteristics of a wife
116
Where could Botticelli’s interest in naturalism come from?
Pliny the Elders ‘Natural history’, which discusses topics such as zoology and botany
117
Discuss the flowers in Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’.
Botticelli depicts over 500 flowers, of 170 different species. The flowers could allude to fertility. The fact that Flora scatters flowers from her stomach strengthens this idea
118
How is Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’ linked to the patron?
- Oranges are in the Medici coat of arms
- Zephry is next to a laurel bush. Laurel in Italian is Laurentius, the name of the groom of the marriage - Lorenzo. Therefore Zephry represents Lorenzo
- Mercury slightly looks like Lorenzo de Magnificent who pokes the clouds away as if he is clearing away the conditions of the arranged marriage
119
Describe the role of the dark background in Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’.
The dark background makes the fair skin of the figures stand out and makes the flowers even more vibrant
120
How is Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’ linked to classical antiquity?
- Three graces into contrapposto
- Flora and Venus’ poses recalls that of Venus Pudica
121
How is Neoplatonism related to Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’?
The idea of Neoplatonic love is created as carnal love (shown in Zephyr’s story on the far right) transforms into divine love (shown by the three graces)
122
Discuss the clothes worn by the figures in Botticelli’s ‘La Primavera’.
Botticelli made no attempt to depict the gods in their ancient guises, instead, they are depicted in contemporary vernacular costumes worn by florentines during the period
123
Discuss Michelangelo’s areas of work.
When he was 21 he moved to Rome, where he stayed for 5 years. This was likely due to the death of Lorenzo the Magnificent and the fall of the Medici family which encouraged him to leave Florence
124
Why did Carnidal Riario lose trust in Michelangelo?
When Michelangelo arrived in Rome he made a sculpture of sleeping Cupid which he treated with acidic earth to make it appear ancient. This sculpture was given to a dealer and then passed on to Cardinal Riario, who later learned of the fraud and demanded his money back. However, he later formed a relationship with Michelangelo
125
Who commissioned Michelangelo’s ‘Bacchus’?
Cardinal Riario, he then rejected the sculpture after it was made. Perhaps it was because he did not want to be associated with a drunkard. The sculpture was later purchased in 1506 by Jacopo Galli, Riario’s banker and friend of Michelangelo, where it was placed in his garden along either his collection of antiquities
126
What happened to Michelangelo’s ‘Bacchus’?
A sketch of Galli’s garden by Maarten van Heemsherck, thirty years after it was made in the 1530s, shows the statue still in its original position however without the hand holding the goblet of wine. Bacchus’s penis had also been chiselled away
127
What does Michelangelo’s ‘Bacchus’ depict?
The sculpture depicted the ancient Roman god of wine, Bacchus, in a drunken state holding a goblet of wine. Next to him is a satyr, half man, half goat, eating grapes that fall from his grip
128
How do we know this is Bacchus?
- He is holding the skin of a tiger, one of his attributes
- His hair is adorned with ivy leaves, a plant sacred to him
- He is strong but has plump flesh, giving him a sense of androgyny. Vasari wrote that Bacchus has “both the slenderness of a young man and the fleshiness and roundness of a woman”
129
Who wrote about Bacchus’s androgyny and what did they say?
Vasari wrote that Bacchus has “both the slenderness of a young man and the fleshiness and roundness of a woman”
130
What features give us the impression that Bacchus is intoxicated?
- He is in contrapposto stance which make him appear off balance
- Eyes rolling back
- Bending of the limbs and slightly leaning
131
How is status and nobility evoked in Michelangelo’s ‘Bacchus’?
- The use of marble which has been polished with leather or pumice to create surface shine
132
How is Michelangelo’s mastery of technique shown in ‘Bacchus’?
The sculpture has a high level of detail:
- Drill has been used for the deep undercutting of the hair which allows for a play of light and shadow
- Relief carving in the goblet
- A range of textures, noticeable in the contrast between the smooth skin and rough tree stump
133
Discuss the base used in Michelangelo’s ‘Bacchus’, why is this used?
The base of the structure is heavy and wide due to marble’s lack of tensile strength. The tree trunk is also used to support the figure’s contrapposto stance
134
How is Michelangelo’s ‘Bacchus’ linked to Neoplatonic ideas?
Neoplatonic theories discuss drunkenness as a key to a divine state. Marsillio Ficino talks about divine madness raising man over God.
135
Who discusses Neoplatonic ideas about drunkenness?
Marsillio Ficino discusses divine madness raising man over god
136
Why is Michelangelo’s ‘Bacchus’ a prime example of the rebirth of classical antiquity?
- Mythological subject matter
- Elongated proportions like late classical sculpture
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What might Bacchus be a recreation of?
In Pliny the elders ‘Natural history’ he describes Praxiteles lost bronze sculpture which shows ‘Bacchus, drunkenness and a satyr’
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What is significant about Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’?
It is the first known reclining nude in Western painting. ‘Sleeping Venus’ along with another painting by Titian established the genre of ‘Erotic mythological pastoral’
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What genre did Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’ along with a work by Titian establish?
The genre of erotic mythological pastoral
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What is Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’ an example of?
Poesia. A painting that was meant to operate in the indirect manner of poetry. It was an important innovation in Venetian art of this period, aiming to evoke meaning in the way that poetry does
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What do x-rays show about Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’?
Originally, the reclining figure was accompanied by a small figure of Cupid holding a bird, but this was painting over. Because the painting was commissioned for Girolamo Marcello and his wife Morosina Pisano’s wedding, Cupid could be a symbol of their love as newly weds
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Who commissioned Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’?
Girolamo Marcello for his marriage to Morosina Pisani
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What might Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’ have been for, where do we get this impression from?
The horizontal format of the composition suggests it may have been integrated into a piece of bedroom furniture. For example, the inside cover of a dowry chest, alluding to the fertility hoped for in marriage
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What inspired Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’?
A poem by the Roman poet Claudianus, which celebrates the wedding of two friends in reference to sleeping Venus
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Discuss the setting of Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’, why is this significant?
The painting was painted at the moment that Venice was defending its claims on the Terra firma, therefore it is possible to read Venus as Venice.
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What did Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’ influence?
Titians reclining nudes e.g ‘Venus of Urbino’
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How is the form of the sleeping Venus related to the background?
Venus’s gentle curves echo the rolling hills of the landscape behind her
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How do we get a sense of sleeping Venus’s sensuality?
- Red lips
- Deep red velvet and white satin drapery on which she lies
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Why is Venus’s pose in Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’ dissimilar to traditional depictions of her?
Typical depictions show Venus depicted as Venus pudica, covering her genitals, however, in this painting she appears to be pleasuring them.
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Why is Venus pleasuring herself in ‘Sleeping Venus’?
According to gynaecologists at the time, female masturbation made women more fertile
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What does Venus’s sleep in Giorgione’s ‘Sleeping Venus’ imply?
Her sleep implies dreaming and transportation to another world, like mentioned in ‘ The dream of Poliphilus’, a bestselling print in Venice in 1499
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Discuss Giorgione’s choice of material in ‘Sleeping Venus’.
- Oil paint allows Giorgione to subtly blend colours using the sfumato technique around areas of the face and for tonal modelling
- Giorgione embraces the Venetian love of coloré through the yellow hue of the painting, capturing naturalistic light effects which creates the impression that it is the afternoon
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Discuss Giorgione’s choice of material in ‘Sleeping Venus’.
- Oil paint allows Giorgione to subtly blend colours using the sfumato technique around areas of the face and for tonal modelling
- Giorgione embraces the Venetian love of coloré through the yellow hue of the painting, capturing naturalistic light effects which creates the impression that it is the afternoon and
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Discuss Ginevra de Benci’s background
Born into a wealthy Florentine banking family, she was aristocratic and well educated, attending Le Murate, where she would have been taught by the Benedictine sisters of San Catarina. She was also a poet, and frequently recognised for her intelligence and conversationalist skills. Her father, Amerigo was one of the richest men in Florence, and her grandfather Giovanni D’Amerigo Benci had been the general manager of the Medici Bank
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Who wrote poems about Ginevra de Benci and why?
Ginevra was recognised for her beauty with her golden hair and dark eyes. Consequently, she herself was the subject of many poems written by members of the Medici circle and other poets. She even had two sonnets written by Lorenzo de Medici himself
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Who was Ginevra de Benci married to?
In January 1474, Ginevra married Luigi de Bernardo Niccolini at the age of 16. Therefore, the painting was likely commissioned around the time of their engagement as a wedding gift. Leonardo was also a friend of Ginevra’s brother which strengthens this idea
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Why was Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Ginevra de Benci’ painted?
As humanism was a rapidly growing ideology at the time, we can infer that this is the reason the painting was created; to promote Neoplatonism and humanist interests and values
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What does Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Ginevra de Benci’ depict?
The painting depicts Ginevra facing the viewer with a serene, if not bitter expression. A sun-filled landscape, reminiscent of Flemish painting at the time provides a spacious and scintillating backdrop to the painting
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Describe the background in ‘Ginevra de Benci’.
The distant landscape is painted in soft blue-grey tones, capturing the effects of atmospheric perspective which creates the illusion of depth
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What is striking about De Vinci’s depiction of Ginevra de Benci?
Unlike the majority of Italian portraits, Leonardo strikingly broke the convention of showing women in side profile view and instead depicts Ginevra in a 3/4 pose, staring out towards the viewer
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What technique did Da Vinci use for ‘Ginevra de Benci’?
Drawing was an important part of Leonardo’s artistic process. Before applying paint, he used a technique called pouncing to transfer the sketch of Ginevra to the panel. The technique involved pricking holes along the lines of the drawing then rubbing charcoal over them. Using infrared reflectography, you can still see the dots from the the process today. This highlights the Florentine’s focus on disegno
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What is Ginevra wearing in ‘Ginevra de Benci’ ?
She is depicted in plain, ordinary clothes, including a dress called a ‘gamura’. Her lack of jewels and elaborate dress is unusual as women typically wore their finest dress in betrothal paintings. She also wears a black scarf draped around her shoulders, which could be a tertiary’s black veil, worn by members of Le Murate
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What was the name for the scarfs worn at Le Murate?
Tertiary’s black veils
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What plant is included in ‘Ginevra de Benci’ and what is its significance?
Spiky, evergreen leaves of a juniper frame Ginevra’s face. They were originally a brighter green with as much intensity as the sitters, though they have browned over time. Juniper is a symbol of chastity, which was considered the greatest virtue for women during the Renaissance. Juniper is also a pun on Ginevra’s name, as juniper in Italian is ginepro
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What are the imperfections in ‘Ginevra de Benci’ and why are they there?
Leonardo was still learning in his masters studio and was fairly new to painting in oil, since it was a newly introduced in Florence, this led to a number of slight inaccuracies in the painting:
- he had not allowed for the glazes to dry before adding more which led to wrinkling on the surface, can be seen in the distant background
- Attempting sfumato by blending colours with his fingers, led to visible finger print marks
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Discuss the original appearance of ‘Ginevra de Benci’.
The original painting had previously been larger by around 9cm, however the panel was cut down for an unknown reason, removing her hands. A surviving sketch by Leonardo suggests Ginevra’s hands were gently cradled at her waist holding a small flower, perhaps a dianthus (known as a pink). This flower was commonly used in Renaissance portraits to symbolise devotion or virtue
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What sets Leonardo da Vinci’s portrait of ‘Ginevra de Benci’ apart from other typical works?
What sets Leonardo da Vinci’s painting apart from typical Florentine works, is his inclusion of a second emblematic portrait on the reverse side of the panel. Here we see Ginevra’s motto ‘VIRTUTEM FORMA DECORAT’ which means ‘beauty adorns virtue’. This links to Neoplatonism where physical beauty echos spiritual beauty. In the centre, a sprig of juniper is placed, which again suggests Ginevra’s name. It is surrounded by laurel and palm which symbolise her moral and intellectual virtue.
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Who was Ginevra de Benci’s admirer and why is this significant in the painting?
Givers had several admirers, one notable being Bernardo Bembo, the Venetian ambassador to Florence. While Ginevra was a married woman, she upkept a Neoplatonic relationship with Bembo. This is notable because laurel and palm were also his personal emblem. Infrared images have also revealed that his emblem ‘VIRTUS ET HONOR’ had once been painted under Ginevra’s. For this reason, there has been speculation that Bembo commissioned this work himself
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Who was pope Julius II?
Pope Julius II was elected pope in 1503, and ruled until his death in 1513. He was nicknamed the warrior pope as well as ‘papa terible’ (the fearsome pope) due to his rapid expansion of the Papal States, and defending them from the French under Louis XII
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What was Pope Julius II’s aim?
To show papal Rome as equal to Ancient Rome, of which there was so much evidence still remaining. He set out to beautify the city, restoring its ancient splendour. To do this, he became a brilliant patron of the arts, forging relationships with many Renaissance artists and adopting the name ‘The Renaissance pope’
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Where did Raphael get inspiration from for his portrait of ‘Pope Julius II’?
Justus Van Ghent’s portrait of Pope Sixtus, Julius’s uncle, which follows a similar composition and colour scheme of green and ref
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What does Raphael’s portrait of ‘Pope Julius II’ depict?
The painting depicts pope Julius sitting upon a throne, with a richly brocaded green fabric making up the background behind him
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Why does pope Julius have a beard in Raphael’s portrait of ‘Pope Julius II’?
He is depicted with a long white beard which he let grow as a sign of mourning after his loss, in war, of the city of Bologna. He kept this beard from July 1511 until March 1512
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Describe pope Julius’s outfit in Raphael’s painting.
He wears papal regalia consisting of:
- A red camauro
- Ermine lined red velvet Mozzetta
- White rochet
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Describe pope Julius’s expression in Raphael’s portrait.
The pope is shown with a somber facial expression due to his loss of Bologna. His head is bowed and his eyes are cast downward which gives an impression of sadness rather than confidence. The corners of his mouth droop and shadows darken his eyes. It is clear that he is feeling the weight of his declining age as well as the failure of his military efforts. His left hand grips the chair on which he sits upon and his right hand clasps a white handkerchief. You can almost imagine him lifting it up to his face to wipe away his tears
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How is Raphael’s painting of ‘Pope Julius II’ linked to the Della Rovere family?
- Acorn decoration on the throne alludes to the Della Rovere family name ‘of the oak tree’. Oak tree symbol is also in their family coat of arms
- The richly brocaded fabric that makes up the background included the papal cross-keys which reinforce the legitimacy of the pope
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What have x-ray studies revealed on Raphael’d portrait of ‘Pope Julius II’?
X-ray studies have revealed numerous pentimenti.
- Originally the background was painted blue and gold (the Della Rovere family colours)
- The fabric also initially consisted of a tear-drop shaped pattern that was arranged in diagonal rows. They contained symbols such as the papal crossed-keys, papal tiara, and the Della Rovere oak tree
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Discuss Raphael’s use of oil in the portrait of ‘Pope Julius II’.
- Allows him to convey a fence if textures. For example, the crispness of the jewels contrasts with the softness of the fur lining
- Allows for tonal modelling and sfumato due to oils slow drying time
- Building up glazes to produce vibrant colours
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Who does ‘Gattamelata’ commemorate
The condottiere and podesta of Padua, Erasmo de Narni
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What does ‘Gattamelata’ mean?
Honeyed cat
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What is notable about Donatello’s ‘Gattamelata’?
It is the first monumental bronze equestrian sculpture since antiquity
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What did Erasmo da Narni do?
He had been emptied by the Venetian government to lead the conquest of Padua on their behalf. He became a hero for everyone, regardless of their political ideologies
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Where is Donatello’s statue of ‘Gattamelata’ situated?
Outside the most important church in the city of Padua, known as ‘Il Santo’, and Erasmo is buried inside the church
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Who financed Donatello’s sculpture of ‘Gattamelata’?
The sculpture was financed by the general’s late wife and son. However, the commission was only made possible with the authorisation of the Venetian government
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Why was Donatello chosen for the commission of ‘Gattamelata’?
He had been working in Padua since 1444, where he was to remain for a decade. Padua was a dependence of Venice and Donatello’s expertise of bronze sculpture made him an ideal candidate to undertake this work
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Where does Donatello take influence from for ‘Gattamelata’?
- Marcus Aurelius’ sculpture which shows a horse with a raised hoof. Although Donatello was unable to replicate it, he was able to balance the sculpture on only a tiny point on the front of the horses hoof
- The horses of St Mark in Venice
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What is depicted in Donatello’s ‘Gattamelata’?
Erasmo is depicted in highly decorated armour, holding out his military baton and standing up in his stirrups. His horse is stepping forward, his left hoof resting on a canon ball
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What Erasmo is wearing in Donatello’s ‘Gattamelata’?
He is not shown as a deity, instead he is wearing a contemporary costume. Donatello chooses to portray Erasmo in this way to emphasise his human values of confidence, strength and leadership, linking to humanist principles
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How does Donatello depict the horse in ‘Gattamelata’?
- With exaggerated features: flared nostrils and big eyes
- The clay modelling stage in the lost wax process allows Donatello to craft intricate details: bulging veins in the horses face
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Describe the plinth in Donatello's 'Gattamelata'.
The statue stands on a plinth, raised above the viewer, which gives the statue status. The stone base on which the horse stands was originally intended to hold Erasmo's remains. Donatello takes into account the position of the viewer by distorting some features of Erasmo’s face. This also exhibits his mastery of linear perspective
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Discuss Donatello’s use of the lost wax technique.
The lost wax technique is a revival of classical antiquity. The clay modelling step in the process allows the creation of intricate details, for example the hair on the horses mane
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Discuss the use of bronze in Donatello’s ‘Gattamelata’.
- Bronze conveys wealth and status and has connotations of antiquity.
- Its high tensile strength allows for such an ambitious composition. For example, the legs of the horse would not be possible to carve in marble
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What has been formed on the statue of ‘Gattamelata’ and what impression does this give?
The dark patina gives an impression of gravitas
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Who was Giovanni Bellini?
Giovanni Bellini was one of the most influential and celebrated Venetian artists. His father Jacopo Bellini, was a founder of Renaissance style painting in Venice and northern Italy, and his brother Gentile Bellini was highly regarded for his meticulous portraiture and scenes of Venice. Artistic links were further forged when Bellini’s sister, Niccolosia married the renowned painter Andrea Mantegna, who he became highly influenced by
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Names of artists Bellini was associated with.
- his father, Jacopo Bellini
- his brother, Gentile Bellini
- his sister, Niccolosia Bellini
- his sisters husband, Andrea Mantegna
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What was Bellini a prominent figure of?
The Venetian school of painting, which was characterised by a focus on colour, light and atmosphere
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What does Bellini’s ‘Doge Leonardo Loredan’ depict?
The painting depicts Doge Leonardo Loredan, who had been elected doge in 1501, when he was sixty-five years old. Therefore, the painting was likely commissioned around the time of his election by his family
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What was the role of the doge?
The doge had been the leader of Venice since 726, Doge Loredan was the 57th Doge. The doge was the figurehead of Venice, at the top of the triangle of power. He was not only the leader of Venice, but also the symbol of Venetian sovereignty and independence
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Describe Venice’s identity as La Serenissima, how does this relate to Bellini’s portrait of ‘Doge Leonardo Loredan’?
For over a century, Venice has cultivated an identity of political stability as ‘La Serenissima’, the most serene republic. This identity has been upheld in Bellini’s portrait of the doge which embodies Loredan’s status in his title as a serene and authoritative figure
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What was Doge Loredan known for relating to the way he dressed?
Loredan was known for his fastidious dress, conveyed through his campioni d’Oro (golden bells) which were part of his ducal costume. Loredan also earns a white mantle and corno which are both brocaded with silver and gold thread. The gold patterns and surface which strikingly contrast with the plain blue background allude to eastern iconic traditions of depicting saints in a frontal position against a plain background
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Where is Byzantine influence suggested in Bellinis portrait of ‘Doge Leonardo Loredan’?
- the gold patterns and surface which contrast against the plain blue background allude to the eastern iconic tradition of depicting saints in a frontal position against a plain background
- Bellini passionately collected Byzantine art as well as Hellenistic art
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What profile is doge Loredan depicted in?
The Doge is presented in 3/4 view rather than the traditional side profile. This viewpoint allows Bellini a more ambiguous representation, and to attribute greater character to the Doge. The three dimensional quality also recalls ancient Roman portrait busts
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Explain the use of light effects in Bellini’s portrait of ‘Doge Leonardo Loredan’?
During the period, Venetian painters deleted a strong interest in the effects of light. In this painting, tonal modelling and depth are suggested by gradual shifting colours and the play of light and shadow, enhancing the sculptural feel of the sitter. Loredan’s face is extraordinarily lit; one side is illuminated, the other is in shadow. The strong directionality of light makes one side of his face look more severe and the other more benevolent
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What does Loredan’s gaze give us a sense of?
Loredan’s gaze, which is not looking directly at us, gives us a sense of his supreme authority, setting the Doge away from the viewer
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How does Bellini embrace the Venetian love of naturalism in his portrait of Doge Loredan?
Bellini embraces the Venetian love of naturalism by carefully applying refined wrinkles on Loredan’s forehead, suggesting age and the wise qualities he has adopted in life
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What does Bellini sign his name on in his portrait of Doge Loredan, and why is this significant?
Bellini signs his name in Latin on a cartellino, emphasising the fact that he is educated. This is also an example of the ‘elevation of the status of the artist’, a key feature of the Renaissance
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Discuss Bellini’s use of oil paint in his portrait of Doge Loredan.
Trade relationships with Northern Europe allowed for the introduction of oil paint into Venice.
- Bellini built up glazes of oil to produce more vibrant colours, embodying the Venetian love of coloré
- Years on, critics have speculated that Bellini actually added grounded up glass to his pigments in order to make them better reflect light
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Who commissioned the Palazzo Medici and why?
Cosimo il Vecchio to serve as a symbol of the Medici family’s power and influence in the city
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What was the palazzo Medici?
The residence of the Medici family, and also the headquarters of the family’s banking business
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Discuss the commission of the Palazzo Medici.
Cosimo had originally hired Brunelleschi, but eventually dismissed him as he believed his ideas were too grand and too modern. He then hired Michelozzo
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What about the building of the Palazzo Medici strengthened their financial power over the city?
The fact that it was build from the foundations up, destroying surrounding buildings to create a unified facade
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Describe the composition of Michelozzo’s Medici palace.
The large facade is composed of three stories, divided by stringcourses, topped by an enormous classical cornice, the purpose of which is to cast a shadow down the walls of the building when the sun is at its highest
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What is special about the cornice in the Medici Palace?
The cornice has no architrave or frieze and has no columns to go with it, leading it to later being regarded as an ‘architectural solecism’ by many architects
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Discuss the symmetrical form of the facade of Michelozzo’s Palazzo Medici
The symmetrical form of the facade embodies the Florentine mathematical principles which are rooted in the humanism focus on rationality and harmony
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Describe the materials used in Michelozzo’s Palazzo Medici.
The stories are made of increasingly refined masonry. The ground level, which was reserved for the family’s banking business is made of heavily rusticated blocks of Pietra forte (a local sandstone to Florence). This asserts the family’s wealth as rustification is a costly process but also asserts a fortress-like appearance with intimidating power. This is echoed by the small windows on the lower floor
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What is the rustification in Michelozzo’s Palazzo Medici linked to?
The Palazzo Della signoria, which was Florence’s town hall and political centre. Making a link between the Medici and political power
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How does the Medici make reference to themselves in Palazzo Medici?
The Medici cost of arms are implemented into each corner of the building, which reasserts their status and the function of the building
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Describe the interior of Michelozzo’s Palazzo Medici.
Although the exterior does not reflect the new Renaissance style, the interior courtyard certainly does. It features a colonnade running around the perimeter and 4 composite columns supporting three rounded arches. Originally, a statue of David would have stood in the middle. This shows the Medici interest in classical antiquity
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How does the Medici palace integrate with the citizens of Florence?
The two exposed walls on the outside of the building have a bench running along them, allowing citizens to rest. Paired with the cornice providing shade to passers by, the palace would have been popular with Florentines. The street side corner, which used to contain shops would have been accessible to the public. By giving citizens their space, the Medici showed their generosity and integrated themselves within the city
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Who owned the Palazzo Della Cancelleria?
Sixtus IV made his nephew, Raffaelle Riario a cardinal, with San Lorenzo in Domaso as his titular church
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What is the church in Palazzo Della Cancelleria called?
San Lorenzo in Damaso
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What made Cardinal Riario build Palazzo Della Cancelleria?
6 years after his uncle, Sixtus VI made him a cardinal, Riario won a large sum of money in gambling from a French cardinal who was the son of the reigning Pope, Alexander VI. He used his newfound money to completely destroy, rebuild and expand his titular church and cardinalitial palace
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What is similar about the Medici palace to Bramante’s ‘Palazzo Della Cancelleria’?
Similar to the Medici palace, the palazzo Della Cancelleria was built from the foundations up, exhibiting the wealth and status of the cardinal
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What was the new law implemented by Sixtus IV?
The new law allowed anyone to acquire the houses of neighbours, if planning to expand an older palace to beautify the city
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Where is Bramantes ‘Palazzo Della Cancelleria’ and what is its scale?
It is situated in the centre of Rome and it is a vast 72 metres in length
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Describe the form of the east facade of Bramante’s ‘Palazzo Della Cancelleria’.
The east facade is framed with slightly protruding towers and 12 symmetrical bays. The composition remains proportional throughout. This is emphasised by the regular windows on each storey
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What is the east facade of Bramante’s ‘Palazzo Della Cancelleria’ made from?
Travertine, a local stone to Rome. The travertine is actually spolia, taken from the nearby ancient ruins of the theatre of Pompei
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How does Bramante’s ‘Palazzo Della Cancelleria’ fully embrace the Renaissance style?
By including a range of classical features
- Tripartite structure divided by string courses
- Pilasters of Corinthian order
- Repetition of rounded arches
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What is the ground floor of Bramante’ ‘Palazzo Della Cancelleria’ made of?
The ground floor is made of refined rusticated blocks. The two upper stories are much more refined. The small windows at the top of the building indicate it holds servant quarters
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Describe the interior of Bramante’s ‘Palazzo Della Cancelleria’.
The interior features a huge courtyard which allows in light and air. A colonnade runs along the perimeter, creating a unified and harmonious composition. The inside of the building features a large number of rooms and apartments for Riario’s family and court. The principle rooms are in the piano nobile
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What building is the interior of Bramante’s ‘Palazzo Della Cancelleria’ similar to?
The layout of rooms imitates those of the Vatican palace, as they nearly have the same sequence.
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How does Bramante’s ‘Palazzo Della Cancelleria’ promote Cardinal Riario?
- Inscription in the frieze of the entablature commemorates Riario, Sixtus IV and pope Alexander VI
- Riario’s coat of arms (rosette device) above every window on the piano nobile
- Della Rovere coat of arms on each corner of the building
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Who commissioned Giovanni Bon’s Ca’ d’Oro?
Marino Contarini, a member of the oldest and most distinguished patrician families in the city. He bought the site from the Zen family in 1421. His wife, Soradamor Zen died only 5 years later, therefore, people have speculated that the building serves as a monument to her memory
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What does ‘Ca’ d’Oro’ mean?
‘Ca’ d’Oro’ translates to ‘house of gold’, and indicates that the palace was intended to serve as a bold impression of wealth
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What was Bon’s ‘Ca’ d’Oro’?
Ca’ d’Oro served as a casa-fondaco. Meaning it was a palace for Contarini as well as a warehouse and trading centre for the family business, which was a traditional Venetian concept
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Discuss the location of Giovanni Bon’s ‘Ca’ d’Oro’.
It is situated on the grand canal, the city’s most important thoroughfare, allowing it to be easily noticed. Whilst the location ensured the palace made a striking impression, it also served a functional role. The site was also near the Rialto, the city’s trading quarter. This was practical for the needs of Contarini who was a merchant and held storage rooms in his palaca
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Discuss the composition of Giovanni Bon’s ‘Ca’ d’Oro’.
The building features a tripartite composition, intended to be entered through a large water gate into an entrance portico. The watergate has a central arch, flanked by four smaller pointed arches and Corinthian columns. The very open nature of the ground floor and its entrance link to Venice’s identity as ‘La Serenissima’, the most serene republic. The entrance portico leads onto an androne, a long paved hall which would have held stables for horses and mules, leading from the front to the back of the building. On either side of the androne were storage rooms for merchandise.
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Describe the piano nobile’s in ‘Ca’ d’Oro’.
The first piano nobile is made of loggia, topped by trilobed ogee arched that flower into quatrefoils. This is similar to the upper nobile, however the ogee arches flower into kite-shaped diamonds
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What style is ca’ d’Oro and why?
The complex style of arches and decorative elements as well as an asymmetric facade are characteristics of the Venetian gothic style, which sets this building apart from, typical Venetian buildings
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What was the original appearance of Giovanni Bon’s ‘Ca’ d’Oro’?
Originally, the whole facade would have been elaborately guilded in polychrome marble, emphasising the wealth of the patron. This choice alludes to Venice’s trade relationships with Byzantium. Paired with the cusped ogee arches and fanciful crestings we also gain an impression of Islamic influence i
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Explain the alternative entrance to Giovanni Bon’s ‘Ca’ d’Oro’.
There was also an alternative land entrance which led to a courtyard. The courtyard has a large well in the centre of it to provide a source of fresh water which was important as Venice is a maritime state
